Most piercing artists will insert a curved barbell into a new rook piercing, but after the healing period (6 – 18 months), you can get creative. Given how narrow the rook is, you're best off with delicate, dainty jewelry – but IMHO, the best things come in small packages!

✨ Given that you probably won't change out the jewelry in your rook very often, make sure you love the jewelry you choose. You have a ton of jewelry options including (but not limited to) curved barbells, cartilage hoops, and flat back stud earrings.

A rook piercing is a cartilage piercing, so it isn't as easy as a standard lobe piercing. But, the short, sharp pain should only ache for about 30 minutes.

💊 However, if your pain tolerance is low, you can ask your piercer for numbing options or take a non-prescription strength pain killer beforehand.

Your piercer will probably be using a 16 gauge needle that's 1.2mm thick – which is thicker than your standard lobe piercing, which uses a 20 gauge needle that's 0.81mm thick. You'll want jewelry with posts that are as thick as the needle you're pierced with, so your piercer will typically use a curved barbell with 16 gauge thickness.

✨ Because the rook is so thin, you may want to wear a daintier earring with a slimmer post over time – try 18 gauge earrings that are 1.0mm thick.

ℹ️ Need some extra help with jewelry sizing? We made a whole little guide that answers all of the top jewelry sizing questions we get, just for you.

⏱️ The rook piercing requires some commitment as it can take anywhere from 6 months to up to 18 months to heal. It really depends on your personal anatomy.

✨ For the quickest healing time, carefully follow the aftercare instructions your piercer gave you.